PREAMBLE
The energy sector globally provides significant research challenges in the continuous development of new materials, devices and energy systems. Fundamental research contributions are required for the development of cost-effective and sustainable energy systems.

The problems of primary energy sources and greater concerns over global warming require fundamental breakthroughs in energy extraction, processing, conversion and utilization. Several innovative research solutions are required to shape the sustainable energy systems and to provide substantial energy security of the future. Solar energy is one of the promising renewable energy sources that can meet growing energy demands without degrading or affecting environment. The Solar Energy, therefore, has a tremendous potential in terms of harvesting it with smart technologies.

In 2010 the Jawaharlal Nehru National Solar Mission (JNNSM) was declared by union government. The objective of the National Solar Mission is to establish India as a global leader in solar energy, by creating the policy conditions for its diffusion across the country as quickly as possible. JNNSM established a target of 1 GW of solar power by 2013 and 20 GW by 2020. In solar power generation, Gujarat already has been a frontrunner (policies since, 2008) and has established an installed capacity of more than 700 MW (as on April, 2012). Gujarat Government has already entered into power purchase agreement for 900 MW of solar energy. Other states of India, such as, Rajasthan, Maharashtra, Tamil Nadu, Andhra Pradesh, West Bengal etc. have also set respective plans. As on date no less than 50 industries and developers have started developing solar power at states and national levels.

Either it appears as a growing need of manpower by the growing industries in Solar Energy or the fundamental R&D that is very much necessary to harvest the Solar Energy in most efficient manner, the 2-year MTech programme at PDPU has been established. The M.Tech. programme plans to develop future human resources who can provide fundamental inputs required to meet the challenges of the renewable energy sectors with greater face up to the solar energy technologies, both PV and solar thermal.

The intake is to be through screening of applications, a written selection test followed by an interview. The core courses will provide a background of analytical and laboratory techniques as well as courses with more emphasis to solar energy harvesting materials, devices and systems. Several electives are provided in the curriculum to enable the student to specialize in their area of interest and relevant to their background.

The M.Tech. programme will meet the future need for skilled human resources in the energy systems technologies with sharp focus on the solar energy technologies.